The Next Chapter

To the Class of 2008...

First of all congratulations. It has been a blessing to have worked with some of you for almost 10 years. Some of you, I didn't have nearly enough time, you came in late in your school career and now it's over. Whether you've been around for years, or you've only been here a short time... Thanks for being part of the Family.

It has been wonderful to have you in my life and now it's time for me to let go. My greatest desire for the past, however many years you've been here, has been to see you grow in a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Not to know who He is, but to have a living relationship with him. I know you know this, but I'm not serious about much... my relationship to Jesus, my family, and my job. I take my job seriously. At Crossroads, we call em like we see em. Not politically correct, but with a desire to be eternally correct. Sin is Sin and we don't candy coat it. I think you know that. In doing this, I tried to show you the importance of making the right choice the first time.

Now it's time for you to turn the page and begin the next chapter in the book of your life. I pray that you have learned Biblical Principles that will guide you as you begin this new step in life. That you would fully allow God to lead you and that you will be the one... the one to make a difference in someones life, the one to invest back in your church and Crossroads, the one to be the Christian God has designed you to be.

May you take the Blessings God has already given you and use them to grow in Him.

We love you all...

We Are

Crossroads

You have value...

One of the latest things for teenagers is EMO. I know it's been around for a while, but in the past few months, it's been showing up more and more. From what I see, it's just the newest way for teenagers to say what they've been saying for years and years. "Nobody hears men, no one understands, life is hard... Guess what, heard it before.

One of the saddest things I deal with is students that think they have no value. I have had so many students that feel that they are all alone, that feel they aren't good enough. I guess as I get older, I forget what it was like to be a teenager. The hardest thing I faced was unhealthy comparisons. I didn't have as much as some, so I wasn't as good. I didn't have a nice car, so I was lower than them. I wasn't the coolest, so I just didn't fit in. Sounds familiar doesn't it. I think we have all dealt with inferiority before. Guess what... I can't be what others are. I am not suppose to be like them, I am me. Just as each thumb print and every eye is different, every person is different.

I have seen more teenagers getting into the Emo thing. To be in this crowd, many will dye their hair black, wear mostly black clothes, sweaters (usually dark colors) scarfs... most of them dress from the thrift store, or from hand me downs. Some even resort to cutting themselves to fit into this emo lifestyle. All because they don't fit in. Well, what happens to the kid that doesn't fit in the emo group... what will the next title be?

Please understand that I'm not labeling people, I just want anyone to know that struggles with fitting in... you're not alone. I'm reminded of a person that didn't fit in. He was mocked at every turn... His name is Jesus Christ. So when you think you don't fit in, and you're not worth anything, think of the one who died for you... He saw some value in you. Don't by into the lies. God loves you and wants you to enjoy life. It's too short to be miserable.

We Are

Crossroads